Bavaria and Ruhmeshalle (Hall of Fame)

By order of King Ludwig I the statue of Bavaria and the hall of fame (Ruhmeshalle) were built between 1843 and 1850 at the edge of Theresienwiese. After his father Max I Joseph had passed away King Ludwig committed himself to reunify Bavaria after several wars and defeats. He wanted to express this commitment with several buildings and monuments. This is how the statue of Bavaria and the Ruhmeshalle were created with a presentation and with honour to Bavarian citizens of all ranks and professions.

On 9 October 1859 the Bavarian giantess was unveiled in a festive ceremony. Since then she had to put up with quit a lot. Especially during the beer festival (Oktoberfest) she has to be prepared for unusual activities, e. g. when the visitors of the beer festival put their beer mugs through her eye-slits. Also environmental activists imposed a death mask on the statue to demonstrate against air pollution.

The history of Bavaria and Ruhmeshalle

Leo von Klenze designed the statue of Bavaria following the model of Greek amazons and the building of the hall of fame was designed to reflect the archetype of Ancient Greece, too. When creating the “Big Bavarian Lady” the Germanic interpretation by the sculptor Ludwig Schwanthaler was also integrated in the design.

The statue was casted in bronze by Ferdinand von Miller. It is 18.52 meters high and weighs about 87.36 tonnes. Inside there is a spiral staircase where one can reach the eye-slits of the statue.

In the hall of fame 91 busts presenting characterized Bavarians. Only many years later two women were added to the round of heroes.

Opening times

From April to 15 October the Bavaria and the Ruhmeshalle are opened daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From 16 October until March the monument is closed.

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